Nicholas and Elizabeth: The War Letters – July 9, 1945 (#83)

This is the eighty-third of 87 letters exchanged during World War II between Nicholas Salvatore and Elizabeth Galloway. For more see Nicholas and Elizabeth.

July 9, 1945

This place is temporary but so are we

Dear Elizabeth,

Men are going home left and right, it can’t be long now. They asked if I wanted to stay in the Army, but I, ahem, politely declined. It’s been some two years now. I don’t know if the self I was when I left would recognize me now. While I’d never wish what I went through on anyone, I do feel that I’ve come out of it a better person than when I went in. I too used to live my life in fear, but what did it ever get us? Don’t get me wrong, I still get afraid, but I’m more confident and know that I’m capable of more than I could’ve ever imagined. I was so self absorbed before. While you might have avoided me if I’d stayed at that base, if you hadn’t and we had gotten close, I wouldn’t have been able to love you fully, not like now. I feel I can love you better now, completely. I can’t explain it but I feel it in my whole body.

I hope New York is everything you hoped for and more. Give my love to your family.